Adolescents must be viewed as social assets even though there is reason to be concerned about the problems they present to society. Initial discussion relates difficulties adolescents face, problems with adults' perceptions of adolescents, differences in the difficulty of transition to adulthood for youth in different social classes, and the particularly precarious situation of disadvantaged minority youth trying to make the transition. Subsequent discussion focuses on adolescents' lack of civic responsibility. This problem can be addressed by youth services programs and programs involving adolescents in helping relationships with adults who are able to become mentors and role models. Additional recommendations on meeting adolescents' needs focus on the need for employment programs, for restructuring of dysfunctional schools, for flexibility by businesses in hiring high school graduates, and for simplification of voter registration procedures. The responsibility of the health professions and the role of religious institutions in meeting adolescents' needs are sketched. The reorientation of youth organizations to meet the changing needs of adolescents, and to increase the commitment of adults to this age group, is considered. (RH)